We are sold a lie ...that we get an education and work like a dog, we can be rich. So, the crowds just do it, not realizing that only few can rich that pinnacle of wealth.
The reality is that it is possible for the masses to attain comfortable middle class lifestyle if the government plays a role. And that is what we see in the Scandinavian countries. Folks there are comfortable and happy because the major expenses in life - childcare, education, healthcare, unemployment insurance and retirement pension - are taken care of through sharing of public funds. When you don't need to individually save for these major expenses, you don't need to live in financial insecurity. Life becomes a breeze for you to enjoy and seek fulfillment.
Having a social democratic system does not stop entrepreneurship or innovations, as right-wingers would like to tell otherwise. From the Scandinavian countries, you have world class companies eg. Ikea, Carlsberg, Sandvik, Ericsson.